Police have stepped up patrols after mysterious white stones were left outside homes and under the wheels of cars – sparking fears of a new method being used by thieves to work out which homes are unoccupied when.

Local Neighbourhood Watch bosses urged people to be vigilant, but also asked people to call police and tell them if they discover any stones have been left on their drives, doorsteps or under the car tyres.

There are fears the method could be a new trick to work out which homes are empty during the day, or unoccupied for longer periods.

The phenomenon has been reported in several roads in Portishead, near Bristol – and it is suspected it is linked to a man delivering bags for ‘charity’ clothes donations.

Nick Gough, the area co-ordinator for Portishead’s Neighbourhood Watch, said reports have been coming in of white stones being left outside properties which look unoccupied.

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“These distinctive stones are believed to have been left outside of properties which look unoccupied. This includes stones being left under rear tyres of some cars, possibly to act as a test for homeowner activity at the address.

“The male placing the stones is delivering charity bags for unwanted clothing,” he added. “Police patrols in the areas currently affected have been increased but please be vigilant.

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“If you have received these leaflets/charity bags and/or you have found white stones outside of your property or by your vehicle please contact 101 and let the police know. Tell the operator to tag your call as 'Portishead NHW intel',” he added.

The stones have been left often accompanied by the unsolicited delivery of a charity clothing bag for a charity called Leukaemia Care, and the description of the man involved was that he is white, slim and tall with a pale complexion, receding mousey brown hair which is longer than the average length, a goatee beard and wearing a red T-shirt.